Bathurst's parks set for summer makeover

Set for a makeover of colourful annuals is Kings Parade, Machattie Park and The Haymarket.

First cab off the rank is Kings Parade, with heavy machinery moving in to take away the spent blooms before the garden beds received the rotary hoe treatment and a good dose of fertiliser.

Robert Wootton from council was in the thick of the action, organising his troops.

He said they like to keep their plantings simple, keeping with tried and proven varieties that thrive in Bathurst’s climate.

“We use a liberal dosing of the pelletised chook manure and also mushroom compost because it’s a great soil conditioner,” Mr Wootton said.

“This year when we did the ph testing it came up a little bit high, but some potassium sulphate will fix that and get it down.”

The array of annuals to be planted include cleome, salvia, geranium, gomphrena, vinca and cineraria silver dust

“We didn’t put in any petunias because we’ve been having collar rot problems with them,” Mr Wootton said. “So, we’ve decided they can have a rest this time around.”

Mr Wootton expects parks staff to begin planting out in Kings Parade towards the end of the week, followed by Machattie Park and The Haymarket.

“The staff take real pride in their work because they know Bathurst has such a good reputation for having wonderful parks and gardens,” he said.

“I think it shows. When the gardens are at their best they are a summer show of colour second to none.”